I've long been uncertain about this picture. I can give you 10 intellectual reasons why it should work, yet I don't think it does and I'm not sure why.

IMO, the subject is too close to the center of the frame (brush up on the "Rule of Thirds"). Also, there are objects (table, windows, light fixtures) that don't belong or aren't needed. By cropping them out and moving the subject off-center, it can become a much better composition.

I've long been uncertain about this picture. I can give you 10 intellectual reasons why it should work, yet I don't think it does and I'm not sure why.

I really like this picture just how it is, no crop. The lines through the picture pull the eye to the subject. Abundant blank space further draws the eye to the subject. The subject being nearly in the center also draws the eye to the subject (rule of thirds is not always the best idea...).

But most of all, this picture works because of the story it tells. I could immediately identify with this picture. I've seen this scene in life many times... This image really captures life in one of its smaller moments.